Do you TXT message while driving?

[JuicesFlowing]

I often see people text messaging while driving. Darwin must be spinning in his grave. Poll on the way ...






Sorry if repost.

[CoMoChief]

Just usually at stop lights or straightaways on interstates between CoMo and KC.

Around city traffic though? No way.

[Bugeater]

Originally Posted by Jilly

I'm sorry. I really am not. I'm not trying to ****ing kill anyone. or anyone's children. so I'm sorry. really, I seriously am.

I can't speak for anyone else, but I wasn't looking for an apology. I hate to make this an age thing, but a lot of young drivers don't realize it only takes a split second for really, really bad things to happen. I know I didn't.

[Jilly]

Originally Posted by Bugeater

I can't speak for anyone else, but I wasn't looking for an apology. I hate to make this an age thing, but a lot of young drivers don't realize it only takes a split second for really, really bad things to happen. I know I didn't.

it's fine...I really am sorry. I wasn't trying to make a big case out of it, and I'm sure I got a bit defensive...I do that when I'm wrong and I can recognize that.

[Bearcat]

Originally Posted by Simplex3

Wow. You have a sample size of 2 which suggests it's safe.

Pay no attention to the myriad of evidence which shows your theory is bullshit.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7621644.stm

Right, I came up with that based on the two examples in my post.

I've read the articles, and the problem with the one you posted is that they're mixing 17 year-olds with people who could have 8 years of experience driving. A 17yo more than likely sucks at driving to begin with, so that 35% reduction is turning a bad driver who probably doesn't pay much attention in the first place, and turning them into a dangerous driver.

Regarding that article, I don't drift out of my lane, I never drive with both hands and only use one to text, and I really don't think coming up with a text would take up much concentration at all. I don't text while I'm in traffic or passing other cars or when I'm following someone at a decent speed.

It's funny that they show a balding guy in a suit texting while driving... that should be the study, not 17yo kids. Looking back at what I did when I was a kid, I probably shouldn't have been allowed to drive at all when I was 17, of course texting is going to make it worse.

[Simplex3]

Originally Posted by epitome1170

I think he is saying more to the point that the people that did have slower reactions would be doing something else anyway. Those same people in that study should be observed in real life without texting available and they would probably be doing something else to distract them.

On top of that, the study is for the youngest generation of drivers in which distractions are much higher based on their maturity level.

I would say that in general texting will take away people's attention. However, there are people that would not be bothered by it and there are others that would just be distracted by something else anyway.

It is impossible to be doing something other than driving and not be distracted. It's kind of the definition of distracted.

If your point is that people's reaction times get better with age, I think you're going to find research is against you on that one as well.

I'm not harping on texting specifically. I'm against distracted driving for whatever reason. Everyone should ask themselves why cars get safer and safer but traffic fatalities never go down. A lot of people think it is because drivers adjust to be more distracted and dangerous because they feel safer in the car.

[Bearcat]

Originally Posted by epitome1170

I think he is saying more to the point that the people that did have slower reactions would be doing something else anyway. Those same people in that study should be observed in real life without texting available and they would probably be doing something else to distract them.

On top of that, the study is for the youngest generation of drivers in which distractions are much higher based on their maturity level.

I would say that in general texting will take away people's attention. However, there are people that would not be bothered by it and there are others that would just be distracted by something else anyway.

Yeah, what he said.

[Saulbadguy]

I'll read a message, but I won't reply.

[Bowser]

I only do it when I have to reply to my girlfriend when we're having phone sex.

[Bearcat]

Originally Posted by Simplex3

It is impossible to be doing something other than driving and not be distracted. It's kind of the definition of distracted.

If your point is that people's reaction times get better with age, I think you're going to find research is against you on that one as well.

I'm not harping on texting specifically. I'm against distracted driving for whatever reason. Everyone should ask themselves why cars get safer and safer but traffic fatalities never go down. A lot of people think it is because drivers adjust to be more distracted and dangerous because they feel safer in the car.

Yeah, but people can decide on when to be distracted. "Texting while driving" isn't a problem, IMO.... it's texting while you're driving at 65mph and passing a semi, or while you're in heavy traffic that's going 45mph. I don't think it's as simple as saying "you need to be 100% focused on the road 100% of the time" if you're used to and comfortable multitasking, if you're smart about it and use a little common sense.

[Simplex3]

Originally Posted by Bearcat

Right, I came up with that based on the two examples in my post.

I've read the articles, and the problem with the one you posted is that they're mixing 17 year-olds with people who could have 8 years of experience driving. A 17yo more than likely sucks at driving to begin with, so that 35% reduction is turning a bad driver who probably doesn't pay much attention in the first place, and turning them into a dangerous driver.

Regarding that article, I don't drift out of my lane, I never drive with both hands and only use one to text, and I really don't think coming up with a text would take up much concentration at all. I don't text while I'm in traffic or passing other cars or when I'm following someone at a decent speed.

It's funny that they show a balding guy in a suit texting while driving... that should be the study, not 17yo kids. Looking back at what I did when I was a kid, I probably shouldn't have been allowed to drive at all when I was 17, of course texting is going to make it worse.

Just to satisfy my curiosity, do you look at your phone while typing in your message? If so, how long does it take to type out a two or three line message? A couple of seconds would have to be on the low end, right? In that two seconds you'll travel over 175 feet at average highway speeds. That effectively doubles the distance you need to stop your car in an emergency.

Also, those 17 year old kids have much better reaction times than the balding adults do. Aging doesn't help us in that regard.

[Bugeater]

Originally Posted by Bearcat

Yeah, but people can decide on when to be distracted. "Texting while driving" isn't a problem, IMO.... it's texting while you're driving at 65mph and passing a semi, or while you're in heavy traffic that's going 45mph. I don't think it's as simple as saying "you need to be 100% focused on the road 100% of the time" if you're used to and comfortable multitasking, if you're smart about it and use a little common sense.

The problem is there is no way to separate the ones who are being smart about it and the ones who aren't. Hell there are some people who drive more carefully when they're drunk than when they're sober, but I don't think we should repeal the drunk driving laws.

[epitome1170]

Originally Posted by Simplex3

It is impossible to be doing something other than driving and not be distracted. It's kind of the definition of distracted.

If your point is that people's reaction times get better with age, I think you're going to find research is against you on that one as well.

I'm not harping on texting specifically. I'm against distracted driving for whatever reason. Everyone should ask themselves why cars get safer and safer but traffic fatalities never go down. A lot of people think it is because drivers adjust to be more distracted and dangerous because they feel safer in the car.

Where did I say that reaction times get better with age? I stated that a younger person is going to get distracted more easily... that is their nature.

To play devil's advocate then, do you listen to the radio? Look at pedestrains? Think about anything other than driving? All of those are distractions as well.

[Simplex3]

Originally Posted by Bearcat

Yeah, but people can decide on when to be distracted. "Texting while driving" isn't a problem, IMO.... it's texting while you're driving at 65mph and passing a semi, or while you're in heavy traffic that's going 45mph. I don't think it's as simple as saying "you need to be 100% focused on the road 100% of the time" if you're used to and comfortable multitasking, if you're smart about it and use a little common sense.

So you get to decide when someone or something pulls out in front of you on the road? You're pretty awesome.

[El Jefe]

Originally Posted by MTG#10

I dont text at all. It pisses me off if someone sends me a text. If you have something to say, call me.

Ok gramps .

[epitome1170]

Originally Posted by Bearcat

Yeah, but people can decide on when to be distracted. "Texting while driving" isn't a problem, IMO.... it's texting while you're driving at 65mph and passing a semi, or while you're in heavy traffic that's going 45mph. I don't think it's as simple as saying "you need to be 100% focused on the road 100% of the time" if you're used to and comfortable multitasking, if you're smart about it and use a little common sense.

This